Time was, when a tiny soul,
Clothed with flesh and bone
Entered my life and carved
Its image upon my heart.
What lies ahead? Asks my heart.

Friday, July 13, 2007

Speechless!

I am completely blessed! Yesterday was a very difficult day, each moment was filled with raw pain, yet, covered with your prayers, support, encouragement, and most amazingly--God's comfort. As I sat in the front lobby of the County Safety Facility (how's that for politically correct language--it's the jail stupid!!!), waiting for five hours to process the release of my prodigal, my spirit was calm--I felt your prayers dear blogging friends, I felt your prayers.

Each comment lifted my soul as I read them upon returning home late last evening. Each email received, each phone call that took place, only affirmed that God is the God of all comfort and peace. What had the makings of a very turbelent day became a testimony to the very real faith we hold to be true.

Yes, the road ahead is frightening. Our prodigal has been charged with felony forgery--he was attempting to cash a check that had been endorsed over to him by a 'friend' in the amount of $600.00. The 'friend' owed him money and repaid with a stolen check.

His court date has been set for August 13th.

A criminal defense attorney has been engaged and she is, simply, amazing. She is compassionate, yet direct. She has been practicing law for more than 20 years (in this area) and has a grown son of her own (29) that has walked a similar walk. Her professional acumen and personal wisdom is a gift from God. While some may think we found her through the Yellow pages, we all know, she was God-given!

There is so much more that I could say, however, I will end by sharing a powerful Scripture that was shared in a comment by BooMama: The combination of your prayer support and God's living-breathing-forever-active Word.....is what keeps our family standing!

From Job 11:

7 "Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens—what can you do? They are deeper than the depths of the grave —what can you know?Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea.... 13 if you devote your heart to him and stretch out your hands to him,you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent, then you will lift up your face without shame; you will stand firm and without fear. You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by. Life will be brighter than noonday, and darkness will become like morning. You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. You will lie down, with no one to make you afraid, and many will court your favor. But the eyes of the wicked will fail, and escape will elude them; their hope will become a dying gasp."

And a Psalm that another dear one has offered for meditation:

Psalm 911 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence.4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.9 If you make the Most High your dwelling—even the LORD, who is my refuge-10 then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."

Thank you for stretching your arms out to Him....on our behalf. We cherish your continued prayer support! I am amazed at the very truth and reality of what a difference, a holy difference if you will, that blogging friends, known and unknown, can make!!!!!

Sorry about what you are going through.My thoughts and prayers are with you my sweet blogging friend. I have seen you be there for so many I am glad you have a great support system . Please add me to that I will be praying for you and your family. God loves you and is with you my friend.

Diane - your words are so encouraging. The Lord has brought you to mind over and over again today - in the midst of so many things going on. I just feel such joy knowing He hears and answers prayer. We continue to pray for all of you. God will do great things - I believe that.

Psalm 91 is such a comforting Psalm. I pray for you at this time that the Lord would continue to show you favor, first with your son's lawyer and also with the judge. I pray that mercy will be upon his heart. I pray that you and your family will have peace that passes understanding and that the Lord would guide your steps.

May you continue to walk in that peace and strength that comes from trusting in Him. His promises are sure and He will not be thwarted. Your son belongs to Him who promises to finish the good work He began in him. And we are seeing the fruit of the good work He has done you. You are an inspiration.

Hey Diane...just to let you know, I jsut read your post now...but am thankful to see/read that God is already lining things up for your son. My post this week was on seeing the 'other side' of the coin. When I read your story, I asked the Lord, 'what is the other side for Diane, in all this?" and this is what I felt He said to share with you: Take the time yourself Diane, to close your eyes, giving Him, one by one, each anxious thought, each worry over your prodigal...THEN ask Him to show you how HE sees this situation. Ask Him to show you how He sees your son right now....I have this 'sense' that He wants to show you the 'side' He's looking on and when you see it - you'll be even more at peace. Blessings....

I had no idea you were going thru such a trying time with your son again. I am encouraged by your continued faithfulness and strength in difficult times.

It is amazing how many different ways our lives can change in a heartbeat. I don't know what I would do without my faith or without people like you who remind me to be strong, no matter what the circumstances might be.